Revealing His heart…in the beauty of simplicity

Before the Throne of God Above

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great high Priest whose name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect spotless righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM
The King of glory and of grace
One in Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God!

I don’t consider myself to be much of a theologian, but I do love God’s Word. Even more, I love the God who is the Word. That’s why Bill Johnson’s frequent saying: “Jesus Christ is perfect theology” is such a profound anchor for my understanding of the character and nature of God. Because, theologian or not, I deeply appreciate the need for a proper grid through which to understand His many “great and precious promises.” I guess that’s why this particular hymn touches my heart so deeply–these lyrics are the grid.

Every time I hear the song, I’m struck by how beautifully and perfectly the words capture the essence of my perfect Savior’s, perfect sacrifice. Wherever I’m at, however I feel–I can always look up. So can you. We can look into the eyes of the One who made an end to ALL our sin–now and forever. Because our lives are hidden in Christ–now and forever.

6 thoughts on “Before the Throne of God Above”

Crazy, God’s been speaking to me about His hope and faithfulness (inability to lie and always keeping His promises) being my anchor (Heb 6:19). He’s also been speaking about being hidden in Christ, under his shadow and wings, hidden in His pavilion. Holy Spirit has been on good one! 🙂

Ha, ha–love it when He gets on a theme! His faithfulness is a really good anchor 🙂 Funny you also mentioned being under the shadow of His wings, because I’ve been mediatating on Psalm 91 a lot lately! It is a good place to be ❤ Love you!

Awesome. I hadn’t heard this song before. I love the lyrics too. It’s funny how the closer you get to God, the simpler it all gets. I’ve been placed in Him and He is in me! And where He is there’s always freedom and joy and perfect love. Blessings.

Isn’t amazing how the deeper you go the simpler it gets? God’s just cool like that 🙂 The lyrics are actually like 150 years old or something, but I don’t think I’d ever heard them until Selah recorded the song some years ago. Love the timeless nature of truth! Blessings to you, Mel.